At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management for UCL’s UKRI Doctoral Training Grants and support post-award administration.
- Company: Join UCL, a top global research university with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and employee support services.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role covering maternity leave, with opportunities for internal secondment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in research finance while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in research finance and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 54931 - 64644 £ per year.
Ref Number: B09-01362
Professional Expertise: Finance
Department: Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation and Global Engagement) (B09)
Location: London
Working Pattern: Full time
Salary: £54,931-£64,644
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Working Type: Hybrid
Available for Secondment: Yes
Closing Date: 09-Jun-2026
About us
UCL is a world-leading research-intensive university, consistently ranked among the top universities globally. With an annual turnover of more than £1 billion and a thriving community of over 50,000 students and 18,000 staff from across the world, UCL is committed to delivering academic excellence, innovation and real-world impact.
Part of the Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation and Global Engagement) portfolio, Research and Innovation Services (RIS) provides expert support to academics and professional services colleagues across the research and innovation lifecycle. RIS plays a vital role in enabling UCL’s extensive and diverse portfolio of externally funded research, supporting everything from funding applications and contract negotiations through to post‑award management, compliance and assurance.
Award Services is one of five specialist teams within RIS and is responsible for providing high‑quality support and advice throughout the lifecycle of externally funded research projects. Working collaboratively with departments, faculties, funders and partner organisations, the team ensures that UCL’s research funding is managed effectively, compliantly and strategically.
About the role
We are seeking a Research Finance Manager – Doctoral Training Grants (DTG) to lead the financial management and post‑award administration of UCL’s UKRI Doctoral Training portfolio. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced research finance professional to oversee a specialist team delivering a high‑quality post‑award management service to the academic community and external funders. The role manages a team of three Research Finance Officers and is responsible for ensuring that financial administration, reconciliations, claims and reporting activities are delivered accurately, compliantly and within funder deadlines.
You will act as a key source of expertise on UKRI Doctoral Training Grants, advising stakeholders across UCL on financial management, compliance, funder terms and conditions, audit requirements and operational best practice. The role also works closely with Academic Departments, Faculties, the Doctoral School, DTP Governance Boards and external funders to support effective partnership working and continuous service improvement.
Alongside operational delivery, the postholder will contribute to the development of processes, systems and procedures that support a resilient and high‑performing service. You will also play an important role in supporting audits, implementing process improvements and ensuring the ongoing professional development of the wider team.
This role is based at Bidborough House, Bloomsbury Campus, and is offered as a c.12‑month Fixed Term Contract to cover maternity leave. This role is available as a Fixed‑Term Contract, or as a secondment for internal staff.
About you
You will bring substantial experience of post‑award research finance administration, with strong knowledge of UKRI Doctoral Training Grants, funder terms and conditions, financial processes and compliance requirements. You will have experience managing and developing staff, alongside the ability to oversee complex and often competing priorities within a fast‑paced environment.
We are looking for someone with excellent analytical and reconciliation skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information clearly to a wide range of stakeholders. You will be confident building effective relationships across large and complex organisations and able to provide credible advice to colleagues at all levels.
The successful candidate will also demonstrate a proactive and solutions‑focused approach, with experience of developing and improving processes and procedures to support service excellence and continuous improvement. Strong communication skills, customer focus and a collaborative approach are essential.
Experience working with auditors and knowledge of Oracle Grants and/or Worktribe would be advantageous.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- On‑site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Research Finance Manager - Doctoral Training Grants (Maternity Cover) employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises academic excellence and innovation. With generous benefits such as 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and a commitment to employee development, UCL fosters an inclusive environment where diverse talents thrive. Located in the heart of London, employees enjoy access to a dynamic city while contributing to impactful research and collaboration across a global community.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Finance Manager - Doctoral Training Grants (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UCL, especially those in finance or research roles. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on UKRI Doctoral Training Grants. We want to show that we know our stuff and can handle the financial management side of things with ease.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to finance and compliance. We should be ready to share examples of how we've tackled challenges in previous roles—this is our chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and show that we’re genuinely interested in the role. Let’s make it count!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Finance Manager - Doctoral Training Grants (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with post-award research finance and UKRI Doctoral Training Grants. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Team Management Skills:Since this role involves managing a team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've developed staff or led projects in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and guide others!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to explain your financial management experience and how you’ve tackled complex compliance issues. We appreciate applicants who can communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UKRI Doctoral Training Grants and the specific financial processes involved. Familiarise yourself with the funder terms and conditions, as well as compliance requirements. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to discuss your experience in leading and developing staff. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed competing priorities or improved processes. Highlighting your leadership style will help the interviewers see how you can contribute to their team.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to interpret complex financial information for various stakeholders, so practice explaining intricate concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on your communication skills and provide examples of how you've effectively conveyed important information in past roles.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
Demonstrate your proactive approach by discussing instances where you've identified problems and implemented solutions. Prepare to share examples of process improvements you've made in previous positions, as this will showcase your ability to enhance service excellence and continuous improvement.
